SPDC voted “Best Company in Most Innovative CSR” in Nigeria

SPDC fought off a challenge from three other companies to clinch the prized trophy at a ceremony which held on October 16 at MUSON Centre in Lagos. A key consideration for the award was SPDC’s Health-in-Motion programme which has impacted positively on its host communities in the Niger Delta. Corporate Awards were given in 15 categories in which SPDC was shortlisted in two.

Shell’s Vice President Gas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Osten Olorunsola, who received the trophy, said: “We’ve done a lot to try to improve the lot of the communities in which we operate, and we’re happy at this recognition.” Commented Shell’s Vice President HSE and Corporate Affairs Tony Attah: “The award is a strong acknowledgement of the work we’re doing in the Niger Delta, positively touching lives and helping to develop communities. And we are encouraged to do more.”

SPDC commenced the Health-in-Motion programme three years ago, taking comprehensive health care services to the doorsteps of the people. “We take the doctor to the people, rather than the other way round,” explained Regional Community Health Manager, Babatunde Fakunle. A typical visitation enables a team of SPDC doctors and nurses to provide wide-ranging medical support, including screening and counseling for HIV/AIDs. Diabetes, Hypertension and Malaria as well as eye care, deworming, general hygiene and ante-natal services. More than 130,000 people benefitted from these services last year. SPDC also currently supports 27 health facilities in the Niger Delta, with more than 800-governemnt employed community health working in them. I

n a short documentary shown before the awards were handed out, SPDC’s Afam V1 power project and LiveWIRE programme were highlighted for their roles in increasing power generation and helping young people to start businesses. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio and his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole were both recipients of the 2011 SERA recognition awards for outstanding milestones achieved in their respective states.

The SERAs began five years ago with the idea to “promote corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Nigeria.” The process starts with “submission of entries by participating organisations, field trips to cited CSR projects, voting by the general public and deliberations by a team of nine-judges who make the final decisions about the winners.” Last year, SPDC took the awards for promotion of Maternal and Child Health and Poverty Reduction.